Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Deaton competent; trial date not set yet

A Gurdon teen charged with manslaughter in the death of a 15-year-old has been declared mentally competent to stand trial and participate in his own defense.

Justin Cole Deaton, 19, 210 South 8th St., was charged with unlawfully and recklessly causing the death of Kimberly Adams. Adams was a guest at a birthday party at Deaton's house when she began having convulsions. Allegedly, Deaton refused to summon medical help for Adams, who died later in the night.

Deaton's lawyer, Clint Mathis, requested a psychological evaluation in September for the teen, and the results were filed with the Circuit Court on Dec. 26. The psychological test indicated that Deaton was likely to have a problem with drug and alcohol abuse. He was also diagnosed with anti-social personality disorder.

Despite those findings, the conclusion was that Deaton "is aware of the nature of the charges and proceedings taken against him" and "at the time of the commission of the alleged offense, (Deaton) had the capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct."

Deaton, who is currently under house arrest, was arrested April 4, 2001, after a seven-month investigation into Adams' death. On Aug. 26, 2000, Adams was one of several teenagers celebrating Deaton's 18th birthday. According to sheriff's department reports, there was beer, mixed drinks and marijuana at the party.

According to witness statements obtained by the sheriff, at about 1 a.m. on Aug. 27, Adams passed out on the bathroom floor in the house. She began having convulsions and vomiting. Allegedly, other guests tried to call an ambulance, but Deaton would not let them. Reportedly, he said that he would get in trouble if an ambulance was called.

For more than two and a half hours, Adams was, allegedly, in and out of consciousness.

According to witness statements, she was having seizure-like fits, screaming and convulsing. The ambulance was called at 3:45 a.m. and moments later her heart stopped. Paramedics took her to Baptist Health Medical Center-Arkadelphia, where attempts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful. She was pronounced dead at 5:11 a.m.

Deaton's parents were at home during the incident, but were asleep. They, reportedly, did not wake up until the ambulance arrived.

A report from the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory stated Adams died of cardiomyopathy, which is an inflammation of the heart that can cause seizures and irregular heart beats. The medical examiner said that no alcohol or drugs were found in her blood.

Police had a cardiologist review witness statements on the evening. He concluded that "prompt referral for medical care would have saved her life."